Melbourne, Australia – Karen Lurati, a mother of two from Melbourne, is still grappling with the shock of being diagnosed with liposarcoma, an uncommon cancer that develops in fat cells. At the age of 48, Karen discovered that the cancer had been growing in her abdomen for a decade, wrapping around her vital organs unnoticed. Initially mistaking her weight gain as a normal post-pregnancy phenomenon, Karen’s journey to diagnosis was fraught with misinterpretations by herself and medical professionals.
Despite experiencing symptoms like fatigue and weight gain, Karen and her doctors attributed these changes to menopause and aging. It wasn’t until Karen noticed a peculiar sensation in her abdomen akin to childbirth that she sought medical attention. After undergoing various tests, Karen received the devastating news of her cancer diagnosis and had to undergo extensive treatment, including radiotherapy and an 11-hour surgery to remove the tumor and affected organs.
Karen’s story serves as a stark reminder of the importance of awareness around rare cancers like sarcoma. The Australia and New Zealand Sarcoma Association reports that rare cancers account for a significant portion of cancer diagnoses in Australia, with poor long-term survival rates. Karen hopes that by sharing her experience, more attention will be brought to the signs and symptoms of rare cancers, enabling early detection and improved outcomes for patients.
Despite her ongoing battles with the disease, Karen remains resilient, undergoing regular scans to monitor for any recurrence. The uncertainty and fear that come with each scan serve as a constant reminder of the hidden dangers her body harbored for years. With courage and determination, Karen continues to navigate life post-diagnosis, advocating for increased knowledge and understanding of rare cancers within the medical community.